Reply by dbhost

I have a lot of Ryobi equipment, and while it’s generally not top end stuff, it does the job just fine…

Do you have any noticeable runout on the blade? Perhaps slop in the bearings?

As the saw ever been dropped on the blade, so maybe a bent arbor?

My circ saw is an old, probably 20 years now, Skil 13 amp model that was made in USA. Probably one of the last ones. But it’s the cheap model. Absolutely no frills whatsoever. Just a motor that spins a blade, a guard, and an adjustable shoe… If I recall correctly, there is a tendency for circular saws to “walk” slightly at the beginning of a cut, I think they try walking to the left, which is why I always set up my cutting guide on the left side of the blade. Never have your issue…

I have had the Ryobi cheapie as well. Bought it to work on a job in Huntsville Texas instead of driving 2 hours to get my Skil then drive back… It worked okay. The friend I was helping actually bought the saw, still has the thing and knocks the junk out of it all the time. Never a problem with the cuts or blade wander…